I just got back from a wonderful weekend in Virginia with my family, and I’ll be returning again in a few days. For those of you just tuning in, my dad has been battling malignant melanoma for the past two years and cancer is quickly winning the battle. Words cannot express my gratitude to all of you for your lavish support for me and my fam. I am overwhelmed by your prayers, and I am filled with gratitude for each of you.
If you’re an avid reader of mine, then you know how dear my sisters are to me. Pictured below is my big sis, Kim. Isn’t she lovely?
Kim was out shopping and saw some mercury glass candlesticks on clearance and so picked them up for me. She gave them to me this weekend just because. Upon receiving the gift I said, “Aw, just because you love me?” And she said, “Mmmmm, just because you’re a pain in my butt.” Can’t ya just feel the sisterly love :)? Love you Kimmy!
So yes, the first thing I did when I got through the door after a 6 hour drive was to decorate my mantel and take pictures. Why you ask? Because in this story called life there is little we can control. The tag line in my blog header says, “Creating beauty out of life’s chaos one story at a time.” Right now my story feels very chaotic and not very beautiful. Decorating, painting, crafting is all within my control. I can create beauty, and I can control how the story ends. There is so much comfort in this for me.
Over the weekend, someone close to me shared their concern that my blog has become an unhealthy obsession. I couldn’t disagree more. Sharing my stories with all of you, whether they be about saying goodbye or decorating with mercury glass, is the best therapy this professional counselor could order for herself. We are made in the image of a loving God who is Creator of all. I am so blessed to take part in the joy of His creation and to take part in the joy of creating.
Much love friends! Keep creating!
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Shop Without Money Sisters says
Beth,
Your Dad is in my prayers. I am heartbroken for you and your family. Also, I am sure your friend/family member meant well, but in many similar trying times in my life, I found myself going to work, just to take my mind off things, and feel the little bit of normalcy that I could get my hands on. Your blog is therapeutic for you, an outlet and a forum for support. GOD Bless.
Erin says
Beautiful and I'm right with you on controlling what you can to give you that myth that you are in control of something. Praying for your family through this difficult time!
Anonymous says
Beth,
As long as your blogging activities don't take the place of your life outside of the computer world, don't worry about it. As the mother of two small children, and with a parent that is ill, it is a place where you can create something beautiful. Enjoy it. Only when you have more in common and enjoy the people online more than those close to you do you have a problem. 🙂
Pat says
I'm so very sorry about your dad. I will hold all of you in prayer. Please do whatever makes you feel good and disregard the naysayers. It is really true ~ you don't really understand unless you've walked in the person's shoes. My mother was ill for a lengthy period of time and a few fun things I did saved my sanity. Your sister is beautiful ~ such a lovely smile! The candle sticks are gorgeous and your mantle looks great!
xoxo
Pat
handbags*n*pigtails says
Im so glad that you've been able to be home with your family, sharing memories and finding solace in each other's company. Thats a wonderful blessing. Under the worst circumstances but yet a comfort nonetheless. Treasure them. Treasure the memories and the good times with your dad.
I can relate all too well. Although my dad is ok at this time, we've had a very rough road over the past 5 or so years. He's battled everything from brain cancer to prostate cancer and everything in between. Its been very difficult to watch him go from a big tough, independent guy to someone who needs the care of doctors and my mom and I alot of the time.And even harder for me, at only 29, to watch my dads quality of life plummet.
I'll be praying for you all at this time. Youre a beautiful person, inside and out. Keep leaning on our beautiful Lord. He has all things in His care…esp your daddy!
And dont let those comments about your blog discourage you even a little. As you said, its an outlet. A place of sanctuary. Keep using it.
HugsXOXO,
Sarah
handbagsnpigtails.blogspot.com
Richella says
Beth, your candlesticks are just beautiful. And how therapeutic to put them to use immediately!
Blogging, an obsession? Perhaps. An unhealthy one? No, I don't think so.
My mom died when I was 36. I remember that an old friend wrote to me after my mother's death and said, "You are very young to have lost your mother." That helped me, somehow–to have someone come out and say that it just didn't seem right.
God bless you as you face this. You are in our prayers.
My name is PJ. says
Oh my gosh, Beth. I'm so sorry about your dad. I lost my storybook dad (fil)who'd lived with us for several years to cancer in November. If you want to vent, I'm all ears.
Now my mom, who also lives with us, is in hospice care. I've started a private blog where I vent and it's been very, very cathartic. You may want to do that to help you cope with stress and emotional upset. I can't say enough good things about it.
The candlesticks are glorious! Your mantle…well it's ALWAYS glorious.
And about the blogging becoming an unhealthy obsession? That comes from someone who is not part of Blogland.
You are one of the most creative people I've run across. I think blogging helps you keep inventing new ideas and allows you a venue to share all your talents.
BabinBlogger says
I've been wanting to share this with you for some time now, but after reading your post, I'm inspired….
I love what you say about creating and I think the essence of what you believe about creating is captured so beautifully in this little video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhLlnq5yY7k
I couldn't agree with you more… keep creating! It's your divine gift as a daughter of our Heavenly Father!
Anonymous says
I've just started reading your blog in the past week and I just wanted to say to keep doing what YOU feel helps you. I had a very close friend who lost her 8 yr old son this past year and shared and recieved alot through Facebook. One of my friends thought it was inappropriate of all of us for posting things and asking for prayers on that family but my friend who we were talking about said that Facebook had been a true blessing to her and her family. So, keep sharing and reaching out to the world that our Lord has created. We all need eachother!
Happy@Home says
I have been reading your blog for a little while, but this is the first comment I have left. I think the first post I read involved your parent's beautiful yellow house. I was intrigued by it and then sorry to learn about your dad's battle with melanoma. My heartfelt thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
My dad lost his battle with melanoma and merkel cell cancer in 2002. I found comfort in being with him and the rest of my family in his final days. I will always miss him, but there was a bit of relief in knowing that his pain and suffering were over.
I think blogging is one of the most therapeutic things we can do when we are facing hard times in life. Your post today is so pretty and such a nice story about your sister giving you the candlesticks. When my dad was in his final hours it was right before Christmas. My sister and I took a little walk around the hospital and ended up in the gift shop. She bought me a snowman snow globe as a Christmas gift. Now every year when I bring it out I think of that last time our whole family was together.
Carmen says
Beth, I think your blog is wonderful. You've been an inspiration to me. I posted before about your dad. What a sad situation. Had me in tears reading. (((Hugs))) I *love* the mercury glass. What a lovely gift. And the wine bottles with the candles…so cute!
Melanie S says
I love the candlesticks. They are awesome. Why do they call them mercury glass? Do you know. That is a great picture of Kim, and a classic quote from her. Not everything has changed since 7th grade, huh? Good thing to know you really love each other beneath the sarcastic humor – hee-hee!
I am feeling so anxious about you right now. My fervent prayers are with you. Okay, I'm going to cry again.
All my love.
Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence says
Beth, I am so sorry about your dad–I will be praying for you all.
Karli @ RockyBella says
I'm so sorry about your dad. That is devastating. A girl and her Daddy is a stong bond. I can't imagine. I will be praying for your family.
Traci at ThreeDogsAtHome says
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. It must be a comfort to him that he is able to spend time with his family. Take care.
Carmen says
I'm so glad you had a wonderful time with your family! Your big sis is beautiful!
I've sent the cards to you today. I wanted to get them to you asap…but left the tag on the one blank. It can be filled in with a felt pen. I hope that's okay!
You're all in my thoughts!
Dayka (Life +Style) says
I love mercury glass! As for the comment, all I can say is that in chaotic times, you hold on to what you can. Everyone processes grief differently, and though your father hasn't passed, you're still mourning the loss of what may come.
Keep your head up, and find the joy when & where you can!
1 Funky Woman says
Aren't sisters great! I love those mercury candle sticks. I am sorry to hear about your dad. It is so hard to figure out why loved ones are taken from us so soon. I lost my mother in 2002 to lung cancer. She was 58 and we didn't know until she went into the hospital on a Thursday and died the next Thursday. I was 30 when she died and it has been a journey getting through the whys and if onlys but God has a reason and I can't wait to give him a little piece of my mind when I see him someday, lol! I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Megan
Jessi @ Yankee Belle Home says
Beth, I am so very sorry to hear about your dad. You, your dad, and your family will be in my thoughts.
I have been through a lot with my family. My parents and my sister have all been through some pretty serious medical issues. I too feel that my interest in decorating, housekeeping, and organizing stems from a need to control something when I feel that I have no conrtol over things. I try to be aware of this so I can be sure it remains a healthy aversion. And my blog has already become a positive force in my life as well. I am glad to hear that your's does the same for you. Take care, and may peace be with you.
Blondie's Journal says
Beth,
I am so sorry about your dad…this is the first I have heard. I truly hope that cancer doesn't win. And I totally understand how important it is to have outlets, especially during hard times. It is what get us through, keeps us sane.
Your sister sounds like a sweetheart and I love your candlesticks. How precious!
I'll be saying some extra prayers, my friend.
xoxo
Jane
Jennifer says
I am so sorry to hear about your dad… your family will be in my thoughts and in my prayers! There is nothing unhealthy about blogging, sharing your feelings, sharing things you love… it's wonderful! And you get to 'meet' amazing people! 🙂
Your mantle looks *gorgeous*, what a great sis you have! I SO can relate to 'sisterly love' aka 'pain in the rear'.
foggogs says
Beth, Love the new candlesticks, you sister is so sweet. I know this is such a tough time for you right now. You need to check out the song temporary home by carrie underwood. I added it to my playlist today and it reminded me of what you are going through. My thought are with you!
The Peterson 5 says
Thank you for blogging! You share so many great things! I'll also be keeping your family in my prayers!!
stephanie says
Thinking of you girl!
Chris says
I've been thinking about you, friend. While it is quite a drive, I'm thankful that you have the accessibility to go see your dad. I'm keeping all of you in my prayers. Oh–and the candlesticks are gorgeous!
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
We all take comfort in different things, Beth. Decorating your home and doing your blog are yours. You're right ~ they are things you can control. I think you should do whatever helps you through your "chaos".
The candlesticks are beautiful! So is your big sis!
Heidi says
Beth,
I too had Melanoma. I am so sorry to hear that your dad is not winning his battle. Please keep the faith. I will be praying for you. Also do not change a thing about how you blog. Or what you talk about. There is not a soul out that that doesn't have difficult times. It is great to be able to express that in our blogs and get support from friends. Just delete those negative ones.
Praying for you,
Heidi
Kelly Howard says
Beth, I am so sorry about your dad, and completely understand. I lost my dear step-father to a 2 yr battle with colon cancer. I will pray for you and your family sweetie. I adore those candle holders! And I agree with you on blogging…it has filled an empty place in my life and has helped me to be a better person! YOU keep up the good work! HUGS!
Bunny Jeans Decor... and More! says
Beth… I always love to stop by and visit you.
True, it is sad about what your father, you, and the family are going through… but take comfort in the fact that you are so close, and will always have wonderful memories.
Talk to you soon 😉
Bunny Jean
Craftify It! says
First of all, I'm so sorry about your father. That is not easy…even with a sister to help you along the way:)
Second of all, an UNHEALTHY obsession? Tell that person that you are doing what you love! Nothing unhealthy about that
And last…LOVE the green bottles with the candles! Beautiful.
Treasia Stepp says
Beth I am so sorry to hear about your father's illness. I will be keeping him and your family in my prayers. I adore those candle holders. Isn't one of the best things on this earth family? I wish that every person on earth could understand and feel the love between sisters.
Patricia says
hi beth!
the mercury glass is beautiful!
i love the bottles too! green is my fav color!
i am terribly sorry again about your dad!
i pray for all of you ~
i just had a post about my blog and how much i blog and read… although my current life situation is not yours, i can totally relate to the fact that the blog is what i can currently control in my life.
this is something that i am going to reflect on. my decorating/blogging and reading may seem excessive to others however it is a healthy way to cope.
i am not making sense but know that even in your tremendous grief you have made something click for me.
between the makeup post and now this one, you are helping me more than you will know.
may God hold you all in the palm of His hand!
blessings
patricia
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
Beth, I'm so, so sorry about your dad's situation. I didn't realize this was going on, somehow missed that part. I will be praying for you as you and your family deal with the loss of a great man. I'm so blessed to still have both my parents & I know I will have to face this one day too. Hugs, friend!
Jenglamgirl says
I couldn't agree with you more Beth, in your words on how you feel about decorating and expressing. Its the one thing for me in chaos that I can let go express, share, love, and enjoy. LOVE THE MERCURY CANDLE HOLDERS, what a wonderful sis.